Yes. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) has awarded full accreditation to our program through 2014. We expect to receive another 10-year re-accreditation at that time. Graduates finishing by 2013 will earn a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) degree and are eligible to take the national Physical Therapy licensing exam in any state. The first DPT graduates from the entering class of 2012 will graduate in August of 2015, with full eligibility to sit for licensure.

When will Sac State offer the entry-level DPT?

We NOW OFFER the DPT for the class admitted in 2012. Since we are fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), our program meets the rigorous standards and outcomes that all accredited PT programs meet and, our graduates are eligible for licensure in any state.

Since the DPT will be starting in 2012, what will happen to the MPT students?

All current MPT students will finish their degree program, and will be eligible to sit for the licensure examination. We already offer a post-professional DPT option to our MPT graduates through the A.T. Still t-DPT program.

Why does Sac State require Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology as prerequisites?

We require these courses as prerequisites for the DPT program because their content provides important background for being successful in the program coursework. The foundational knowledge of kinesiology and exercise physiology is needed as we integrate these topics into patient management in many of the courses throughout the curriculum. Our DPT curriculum can begin students in those related courses at a higher level and be able to cover the advanced content within the professional program. We believe that one reason we have such a low attrition rate is because we require foundational knowledge in these subjects, and our students are successful at a higher than average rate.

How do I "enroll" in CSUS's program if I'm a current student of another DPT program?

If you attend, or have previously attended, another physical therapy program, you must apply to our program and include in your application a sealed letter, signed across the seal, from the chairperson of your previous program verifying that you were in good academic standing upon separation from the program. If you left a program on academic probation, you will not be considered for admission to the DPT program.

How many months does it take to complete the DPT program?

The DPT program is 36 months in length, including summers.

Do I have to attend full-time?

Yes, the entire curriculum is a cohort model and requires full time attendance for the entire program.

Do you offer those interested in attending the program part-time evening classes?

No. The program is entirely full-time, with no option to enroll part-time.

Will I be required to take classes during the summers?

Yes. In the DPT program, classes will continue year-round for all three years, including summers.

Does CSUS offer childcare?

Childcare may be available to you, for information contact ASI Children's Center http://www.asi.csus.edu/children/

How much does it cost to attend CSUS's PT degree program?

DPT program: The fees have been set as of Fall 2012 by the Chancellor's Office, at a total cost of $8639/semester, or $77,751 for the full 9 semesters, which includes the University's registration fees. In addition, students can be expected to incur costs of approximately $1,800/year for books, supplies, major medical health insurance (required during clinical externships) and laboratory fees.

The state budget crisis will likely lead to significant increases in fees, and the latest fees can be found at Sacramento State Student Financial Services Center http://www.csus.edu/sfsc/

Does CSUS offer financial aid?

Yes, please see Sacramento State Financial Aid Office https://webapps1.csus.edu/faid_general/ . In addition, departmental scholarships may be available in the DPT program.

Will I be required to have health insurance?

Yes. All students are required to maintain major medical health insurance coverage prior to beginning clinical education experiences. This includes coverage beyond the scope of the basic campus student health center coverage Sacramento State Student Health Center http://webapps1.csus.edu/hlth/. In the past, supplemental insurance has been available from the Associated Students on campus at a cost of $266. - $554., depending on student age.

Do I need a laptop?

No, laptops are not required. Most class lectures are posted on webpages, and many students take notes on the powerpoint slides issued, so a laptop can be handy. Most students will want to have their own computer for completing assignments for classes, whether laptop or desktop.

Does the department offer scholarships?

The PT Department may be able to offer scholarships, and details are not yet known as of this writing. We always alert students in the program to scholarship opportunities, and to voucher/loan repayment programs that are available. The Office of Graduate Studies is one resource at: Financial Opportunities for Graduate Students http://www.csus.edu/gradstudies/financial.htm

What are my job prospects when I complete the entry-level program?

Employment of Physical Therapists is currently the fifth fastest growing occupation in the California economy, with more jobs than licensed PTs available. Most of our graduates can find full time benefitted employment that pays between $68,000 - $77,000 annual salary. Some earn more, and some less, depending on the setting of employment.

What are the graduate's passing rates on the licensure exam?

Our graduates are highly successful in passing the licensure exam, with rates consistently well above the state and national average rates. The 2008 graduates had a 94% first-time pass rate, compared to the California and U.S. average of 85%. Our three-year average pass rate is over 97%.

Upon successful program completion, how long does it take to become licensed?

Usually graduates are eligible to sit for the licensure exam in California and become licensed in 2 – 3 months after the graduation date. Since our graduates finish in December, there is less paperwork delay with the licensing board than in May/June when most other programs graduate their PT students.

What are the program's essential functions and technical standards?

The Graduate Program in Physical Therapy at Sacramento State is a difficult and intense program which places specific physical, mental and psychological demands on a student enrolled in the program. The demands placed on the students during their academic and clinical preparation correspond closely to the intellectual and physical demands which a graduate will encounter as a practicing physical therapist. The essential functions are intellectual & mental capacities and the technical standards are specific motor, sensory, cognitive, communication, and behavioral abilities needed to perform as a physical therapist. These are detailed in the DPT Program Essential Functions and Technical Standards

Will I be required to participate in a drug screening and background check?

Level I criminal background screens will be required of all students during the first semester, and results are kept confidential for distribution to the affiliating hospitals and clinics that require them for clinical externships. Some facilities, in addition, may require drug screening prior to the beginning of clinical externships.

Will I need to be CPR certified?

Current CPR certification for mandated responders is required from all students in order to participate in clinical affiliations. This must be a certification course designed for people who have a duty to respond - such as lifeguards and other health professionals - and must be maintained throughout the term of your studies and clinical externships. The American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers course is equivalent to the American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers course. They both include infant, pediatric and adult CPR, the bag-valve-mask and use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). Online courses are not acceptable.

Are Mock Clinics offered in the Adult Neurological and Neuropediatrics classes?

Yes, patients from the community with neurologic impairments come into the Mock Clinics for students to assess and treat for 8 weeks in each of three semesters.